MEN'S HEALTH

Few things bother men more than experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). The inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex can leave a man lacking confidence and self-worth while consumed with anxiety. Men often associate the ability to get an erection with their identity as a man and their masculinity. Some men may be tempted to buy sexual enhancement pills (usually counterfeit medications) advertised online. But an honest discussion with his doctor about ED is the best place to start. The penis is often a barometer of a man’s health and when bedroom activities are shut down due to ED, it could be an early warning sign of a current or future health problem.

However, many men avoid going to their doctor until absolutely necessary. In fact, it’s not unusual for ED to be what finally nudges men to make an appointment with their doctor after years of neglecting routine medical care.

As embarrassing as ED may be for some men, it can also be a sign of something far more serious. Erections are a sign of good blood flow. For a man to achieve strong optimal erectile function it requires strong blood flow to the penis. If a man’s vessels are obstruction free and elastic, this indicates his heart and brain are functioning and his erections should be rock hard. But, when ED strikes, it might possibly be a sign of one of the following medical conditions:

· Heart disease – If there is significant plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, there is likely also significant plaque buildup in arteries supplying blood to the penis.

· Diabetes –Men who have uncontrolled blood sugar are two to three times more likely to develop ED than men who do not have diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage nerves and vessels that lead to the penis that are necessary to help a man achieve an erection.

· High blood pressure – As with heart disease, restricted blood flow to the penis makes getting an erection difficult if not impossible.

· Kidney disease – The kidneys play a part in hormone levels and circulation. If hormones levels are not in control, this can cause changes in sexual ability and libido.

· Neurological diseases – Men diagnosed with diseases that interrupt the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and penis such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, are more likely to experience ED.

Men who delay seeing a doctor for their ED and instead resort to using sexual enhancement pills or supplements online, will be taking a great risk to their health. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. This lack of monitoring could mean an herbal supplement promising sexual enhancement benefits such as curing ED, could be laced with other medications or substances harmful to a man’s health.

It is imperative that all men be familiar with potential warning signs of a sexual enhancement supplement that may contain harmful substances which could include the following:

· A product that promises to improve sexual performance quickly such as within 30 minutes

· Claims that the product is a natural alternative to prescription drugs or has effects similar to those drugs

· Are sold in singe use sizes

· Personal testimonies raving about the benefits of the product

· Are sold in the United States but have labels written mainly in a foreign language

· Are labeled with directions and warnings that mimic labels on FDA-approved products

The dietary supplements promoted for ED need to be avoided as no complementary supplements have been shown to be safe and effective for sexual enhancement or for treating ED.

The best advice is for a man to discuss his concerns of ED with his physician. All men with ED should have a thorough physical examination in order to determine the root cause. Bottom line, men should never take any new supplement without the knowledge of their physician.